Normally when you encounter Tampa Bay and former Florida Gator and Lakeland High safety Ahmad Black, he flashes that friendly smile.

Now, when you see the Bucs fifth-round draft choice, he tries to show that model-like smile but you can tell, it is forced. Black is frustrated because he is likely to miss another preseason game because of a high ankle sprain. And while the boot is off, Black is not ready to get back on the field and fight for a roster spot.

“It’s frustrating,” he said on Wednesday. “But I’m getting close.”

That’s good news for him and the Bucs, who really liked what they were seeing from the safety.

“Hopefully he gets better and I can get him out there in one of the last two weeks so he can show what he’s got,” said coach Raheem Morris. “He was starting to come; he was starting to get better…Hopefully he can pick himself back up and be ready to go.”